AT&T releases 'Mark The Spot' (aka black hole) app for Android

Heads up AT&T subscribers with an Android phone -- now it's your turn to help AT&T keep tabs on its network. Mark The Spot is the popular app originally for the iPhone that fires off some information and data about network errors you might be experiencing when you run it. This sort of user input is probably pretty helpful, and all conspiracy theories aside should be quite valuable, so if you use AT&T and often find yourself with less than perfect service, grab it and spend a minute improving things instead complaining about things online. OK, complain all ya want, just be sure to report it directly to AT&T, too.

While it's not the most exciting application in the world, it's refreshing to see Ma Bell didn't forget about it's Android users completely. The app is free of course, you can grab it here if you're using AT&T: [Market Link | AppBrain]

Android hackers bust through the HTC Evo's 30 frames-per-second cap

I love a feel-good story every now and then. All the phonesgettingrootedyesterday made me all warm and fuzzy. But that still didn't prepare me for this one. The insane idea of capping graphics performance of any kind on the Evo drives me crazy. Not that I even notice it (I like slow and easy games ) but the general idea of that big bright screen, with all that app space, and a processor that is plainly capable getting throttled back just doesn't sit very well with me.

And it looks like it might not have to very much longer. The wizards are at it again, this time dead set on unleashing the fps on the Evo, no matter what HTC might say about the possibility. And they almost have it. As you can see in the picture above, that Evo isn't capped at 30 fps. (Giggity) Certain hardware revisions (namely 003) have been fixed by a little bit of kernel hacking. Hopefully revision 002 is right around the corner.

If all this sounds like so much geek-speak, it simply means that the issue is not a hardware limitation, and once HTC releases the kernel source the community can deliver a fully working, and framerate cap free Evo 4G. Follow the break to see a couple videos, and let the discussion begin. [xda-developers] Thanks tehpsyc!

HTC Aria rooted -- carrier lockdown be damned

Told you they all fall eventually. Noted HTC hacker Eugene373 has taken his root method for the MyTouch 3G Slide and got it working on the brand new HTC Aria. It's not the easiest of methods, but it's one we should be used to by now -- it involves timing and monkeying with SD cards. Now there's no reason not to love the Aria, as I'm sure the first thing on the agenda is adding support for applications from unknown sources. Have a look and see what's involved, then get your Aria cracked open and proudly standing alongside it's bigger HTC brethren. [AndroidSpin via Twitter via xda-developers via Android Central forums]

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 gets rooted

No carriers' locked systems are safe when Android hackers set their sights on them. Some are easy, some are tough, but eventually they all fall. This time in the spotlight is the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. With the unknowns surrounding the fate of Froyo on the X10, and the less than speedy track record of SE, this one is extra special for everyone who loves the feel and looks of the X10's hardware but isn't quite satisfied with the software. The other three people don't have to root :)

No method or files yet, just the news that it happened along with the obligatory photo proof. We'll keep an eye out, and you guys do the same. When details surface you'll be able to read it here. [xda-developers via Twitter]

Nexus One rooted -- with a new twist

Yes, you read it right., the Nexus One has been rooted. Again. What's new about this is that the phone was rooted the old fashioned way, and the bootloader remains locked. Let me take a minute and explain. The Nexus One is sold as a developer phone, so you can manually unlock the phone's bootloader. This lets you flash any software you want to the phone, for testing, hacking, developing, etc. It also marks an un-editable file (the one that shows as the splash screen when you boot the phone) with a big ugly unlocked icon. (Ant technically is what breaks the warranty.) HTC can then tell at a glance if the phone's bootloader has been unlocked and decide the fate of any warranty issues from there. This bothers a lot of people, as they are forced to choose between voiding their warranty or keeping their Nexi (Nexuses) unlocked.

A bright hacker named Booker-T has used the method for the Incredible to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader and flashing a rooted ROM. No details yet, Booker-T says he needs some sleep (he's earned it!) and will get the files and method up shortly. In the meantime, you can hit the jump and check out the video for yourself. [xda-developers] Thanks MarkH!

The truth about Android

Dunno about you guys, but as long as someone who plays with their hand up a puppet's butt is continuing to fire back at Android, we think Google's doing just fine. Check out the latest rant after the break. [via MacLife]

Cliq and Backflip owners, Motorola has not forgotten you

Good news for Cliq, Cliq XT and Backflip users -- Motorola has set up mailing lists for you to stay abreast of the news about your Eclair (Android 2.1) update. Again, Moto is using the phrase 'when the 2.1 arrives' and not if. You'll need to be a member of the official Motorola forums (see source link for details), and you can sign up here:

AT&T HTC Aria Review

A tiny Android smartphone with surprising power

The HTC Aria. The tiny phone with big potential is the second Android device on AT&T, and arguably the first worth really considering on the U.S. carrier. (Sorry, Moto Backflip.) It has the slick HTC Sense on top of Android 2.1. And while this guy is small, it is mighty.

You've watched our hands-on and unboxing. You've seen our benchmark results. Now it's time to review the Aria. After the break, people. After the break.

The Samsung Behold II is getting updated

Tired of Cupcake on your Behold II? T-Mobile is rolling out an OTA update to Donut (Android version 1.6), which is supposed to be the final version add for the phone. Sure, Android 1.6 may not have been the version you were all hoping for, but it comes with a number of bug fixes, Google Apps (Google Voice Search, Google Maps, etc.) and support for Swype. Do you wish the Behold II had more of a sweet tooth for the heavier desserts? Post a comment if you wish it did or if you’re fine with the more mild sweets.[via TmoNews]

Google Voice opens up for all (in the U.S., anyway), no invitation required

Finally! The days of lurking in forums, begging on Twitter, and hounding everyone you know just to get a Google Voice invite are officially over. Google announced that they have decided to open up Google Voice to the public, no invitation required, so long as you're in the United States. If you're not familiar with Google Voice, you need to be. Especially if you're hooked on smartphones in any way, shape or form. Google says it best:

"We’re proud of the progress we’ve made with Google Voice over the last few years, and we’re still just scratching the surface of what’s possible when you combine your regular phone service with the latest web technology."

You can learn more about Google Voice, as well as get signed up HERE. Get into everything Android and Google Voice related HERE. And finally, hit the source link to learn a little of the history and work that went into Google Voice. Enough talk -- free SMS awaits! [Google Voice Blog] Thanks Duvi!

Droid X camera samples look pretty good

Sure, the Droid X is big. And it's going to be fast, no doubt. But how's that 8MP camera? A couple of images point to it being pretty darn good. The EXIF data says they're from the Droid X, and we'll have to hope they weren't touched up at all. And the end result? A decent 8MP picture. Hit the images above to open the original in a new window. [Alienbabeltech via BGR]

Early version of Samsung Captivate gets an early hands-on

An early version of the Samsung Captivate -- the version of the Galaxy S that's coming to AT&T -- has made its way into a New York City Starbucks, and Engadget give the phone a quick go.

The body is obviously a little different than the Galaxy S that we've had our hands on (a couple times now, actually), but the 4-inch Super AMOLED display certainly looks vibrant here. Again, we've used Super AMOLED, and it's really something you're going to have to see for yourself.

We expect the Captivate to be a pretty speedy device, but Engadget didn't have the best results, with the demo phone showing an 800MHz processor instead of the 1GHz model we're told will be on the phone. Again, it's an early piece of hardware, they say, so take it all with a grain of salt.

Need more? Check out video after the break, hit up the source link, and get ready for Samsung's big event next week in New York. [Engadget]

Samsung Galaxy S will be T-Mobile Vibrant

With AT&T getting the Samsung Galaxy S as the Captivate, and Motorola unleashing a slew ofhigh-end devices on Verizon, we can see why you T-Mobile fans may be feeling a wee bit antsy. But no worry. The Galaxy S is coming to T-Mobile as the Vibrant (or T959 if you're into the number thing). As for when? July 21 is looking to be the date of record, though nothing official has been announced yet. Think you can wait a month for 4 inches of Super AMOLED goodness? [via CellPhone Signal]

Latest Froyo build isn't final -- but you already knew that, right?

Everybody's favorite Googler, Ry Guy, is back in the Nexus One forums to reiterate something -- the FRF72 build of Android 2.2 for the Nexus One that popped up over the weekend is not the "official" or "final" build. But you already knew this, right? Let's think it through:

FRF72 wasn't actually pushed out to the public. Just like with the first build, FRF50, this one was pushed to a few phones, and the download location was discerned and then passed around. If the build is not pushed out to the masses, it's not "official" or "final," now is it?

It's probably pretty likely that when the "official" or "final" build of Froyo is released for the Nexus One, Google might, you know, announce it or something.

As for Ry Guy, here's what he tell us:

Hey guys,

Just dropping in to let you know that the FRF72 build that is floating around is not the official update. The Android team is feverishly working to get a final version out the door, but like passion-ate has mentioned this will only happen once a release candidate meets our quality criteria.

Since today is the Summer Solstice, we know things will be heating up a bit so hopefully Froyo will be on its way shortly. Thanks for your continued patience!

As for us, here's what we say: Have patience. We're excited for everyone to get Android 2.2. And you should be excited, too. But better to have a good update than one that's half-baked. When Froyo's ready, Google will let us all know. It won't be a secret. Trust us. [Nexus One forums via XDA Developers]

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